In the words of Firdause Wadia, "It’s possible to pursue both passion and profession." This sentiment reflects his inspiring journey as a successful media professional at Sony TV and a dedicated conductor of the renowned Paranjoti Choir. Through his dual roles, Firdause seamlessly blends corporate leadership with a profound love for music, fostering a sense of unity and deep emotion among his choristers.
Childhood and Early Dreams
Firdause describes himself as an easy-going, affable individual who wears his heart on his sleeve. Growing up, he cherished weekends with family and cousins, nurturing a wide array of dreams. He aspired to be an actor, singer, and even a doctor. While he eventually pursued engineering and an MBA, his love for music remained a constant in his life.
Corporate Life at Sony TV
As a media professional at Sony TV, Firdause's role involves curating movies to keep viewers engaged and ensure the channel's leadership. While he enjoys the excitement of previewing new films, he admits that the long commute of 1.5 hours each way is one aspect of the job he doesn’t relish. Despite the challenges, his work in the entertainment industry complements his artistic pursuits.
A Lifelong Journey with Music
Firdause’s initiation into music began at the tender age of four, thanks to his mother, Dr. Khursheed Wadia, and his first music teacher, Meher Madon Jansen. Growing up, he mastered various instruments, including the piano, violin, recorder, and xylophone. These early lessons laid the foundation for his enduring passion for music.
His entry into the Paranjoti Choir came through a performance in a French opera based on the Sri Lankan story The Pearl Fishers. This marked the beginning of a lifelong association with the choir, which he now leads as a conductor.
The Paranjoti Choir: A Legacy to Uphold
The Paranjoti Choir, renowned for its motto, “International Harmony through International Music,” has a vast repertoire ranging from 16th-century works to contemporary compositions. The choir also performs spiritual and folk songs in various languages. For Firdause, being part of the choir is a deeply rewarding experience that requires commitment and love for music.
In December 2023, Firdause debuted as a conductor for the choir’s annual Christmas concert season, a role he humbly describes as an honor and a responsibility to carry forward the choir's legacy.
Recent Milestones and Achievements
Under Firdause’s leadership, the Paranjoti Choir has accomplished remarkable feats, including:
Five concerts across churches during the Christmas season.
Performances at prestigious events such as the Festival of Festive Music (FOFM) 2023, Monte Festival, and the Rededication of the Afghan Church.
Collaboration on Aum Sweet Aum, a groundbreaking spiritual album launched by Shankar Mahadevan and featuring legendary artists like Padmashri Anup Jalota, Aashish Rego, and Grammy-winning vocalist Darlene Koldenhoven.
These milestones highlight the choir’s dedication to fostering cultural harmony and musical excellence.
Balancing Passion and Profession
Firdause credits his parents as his biggest inspirations. His mother, Dr. Khursheed Wadia, a professor of clinical chemistry, has instilled in him values of hard work and resilience. His father, Khodus Wadia, a self-made voice-over artist, motivates him to excel and pursue his passion for music alongside his professional commitments.
Cherished Moments and Parsipanu
For Firdause, his most fulfilling moment was taking his mother on her first international trip to Dubai in 2015. He cherishes his Parsi heritage, especially the love for good food. He fondly recalls his grandfather’s saying, “Khao, Piyo ne Mauj Karo!” and admits to savoring traditional delicacies like patra ni macchi and sali boti.
Conclusion
Firdause Wadia is a testament to the idea that one can pursue both passion and profession with equal dedication. Whether leading a corporate team or conducting the Paranjoti Choir, his ability to harmonize his roles inspires those around him. Through his journey, Firdause not only showcases the power of determination and love for art but also sets an example of how one can balance multiple facets of life while leaving an indelible mark on both.
Let his story remind us all that with passion and perseverance, anything is possible!